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"We firmly believe that the persons walking up towards the waterfall entered the water to cool off as it was a very hot day and morning, and they had been walking for a short time," he told BBC Radio Wales.

Floral tributes and candles have been left at the scene in memory of Mr Vernon, from Caernarfon, and Mr Hadley, from Dinorwig.

Two other men, aged 27 and 25, were taken by ambulance to hospital in Bangor but were later released.

Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, also known as Llanberis Falls, is close to Llanberis town centre, Gwynedd.

Despite the recent fine weather, the pool beneath the waterfall is rarely in sunlight and has pockets of extreme cold beneath its surface.

The tragedy happened in a rocky pool at the bottom of the 80ft waterfall.

After recent heavy rain the River Arddu, which feeds the falls, was fast flowing.

Janice Hughes, 66, who lives close-by, said: "It’s dangerous especially if it has rained a lot. Local people don’t tend to swim there unless it is really hot.”

Tragic: Rescuers saved two men but two others died in the water (Photo: Daily Post Wales)

She added: “This is an awful tragedy. It’s a shock to wake up to this.”

Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team said in a statement: "The caller reported two persons drowning in the waterfall.

"Within five minutes of the telephone call three of our voluntary team members had reached the location and were able to rescue one person from the water.

Scene: Emergency services were at the waterfall within minutes of getting a call (Photo: Wales Online)

"In doing so these three team members showed exceptional bravery and skill and put their own lives on the line.

"North Wales Fire Service, the Welsh Ambulance Service and 22 Squadron were also quickly in attendance and all were later supported by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation and a team of Police Divers.

"The efforts of all concerned were then focused on the recovery of two missing people who were later recovered from the water.

"The teams thoughts are now with the families and friends of the two deceased and our thanks go to every agency that assisted in the rescue operation."